Holding steady.
Popularity of Alger since 1886
Babies named Alger per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alger's real moment was 1898.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 18 |
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 10 |
| 1910s | 157 |
| 1920s | 215 |
| 1930s | 135 |
| 1940s | 106 |
| 1950s | 94 |
| 1960s | 40 |
| 1970s | 35 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Alger is an uncommon given name with a peak year of 1898, when it saw its highest usage. Despite never ranking in the top 1000, it enjoyed a small presence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its trajectory has been stable, with only occasional births since the mid-20th century. The name likely derives from Old English Ælfgār, meaning 'elf spear,' or from the Germanic Algar. Alger never appeared in the top states list, indicating its usage was sparse and scattered. As a traditional boy's name with a strong, historical sound, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet authentic choice.
Alger has several potential derivations. It may be an English surname transferred to given name use, itself from the Old English personal name Ælfgār (ælf 'elf' + gār 'spear'). Alternatively, it could be a variant of the Germanic name Algar, also meaning 'elf spear.' The name saw modest usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, never ranking in the top 1000 but maintaining a quiet presence.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Algie
Variants: Algar, Algeron
Sibling names for Alger
Names that share Alger's style, for a brother or sister.
